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Do the lifestyles of the rich and famous intrigue you? Los Angeles in California is the sprawling home to Hollywood’s film industry and a popular hotspot for lovers of fashion, sunny skies, theatrical arts, and hip culture.

As the second largest city in the United States, exploring L.A. behind your own set of wheels can be the most convenient and cost-effective option when looking to pack in the sights and stretch your dollars. Sure, traffic in L.A. is slow, but public transport is even slower. When you pick up your rental car upon arrival at LAX, you’ll at least get to decide when you go and where as you see fit.

What to See in Los Angeles

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hollywood without catching a film screening or live performance. For an under-the-radar experience, head to The Nuart Theater in Santa Monica to step back in time with a weekly showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Quentin Tarantino fans will want to head to the New Beverly Cinema, where the man himself often screens 35mm films from his own collection.

If television is more your thing, reserve free advance tickets to your favorite shows and attend as a live audience member.

Is this not active enough? Then, put on your hiking boots and enjoy the views on your way up to the famous Hollywood Sign. Head out early, though, as the sun can be blazing hot in the afternoon. Another great place for hiking is Runyon Canyon Park, where you might even spot a celebrity or two. If you’re looking for a less busy and less tiring option to take a good photo of the sign, Barnsdall Art Park offers a good view.

After hiking, you can refill your energy levels with some delicious ramen in Little Tokyo, street food at Grand Central Market, or drinks along Highland Park, a neighborhood of vintage boutiques, hip restaurants, and a lively nightlife crowd, where tequila bars, cocktail gastropubs, craft-beer specialties, and wines from around the world can be enjoyed.

Don’t worry if you make it late, because the next day you can relax at one of L.A.’s great beaches. Go people watching at Venice Beach, shopping in Santa Monica, or simply enjoy the sun at Hermosa Beach.

Car Rental with Orbitz

If you want to visit L.A. properly, you simply can’t do without a car. Even when traffic is busy, you reach the Santa Monica mountains from the beach within an hour. This is not the case with public transportation. Whether you bring the whole family or cruise the city solo, SUV’s to compact cars (and anything in between) can be rented at just the right price to fit your pocketbook from Orbitz. Save on transport to splurge on a lifetime of memories in Los Angeles.